It’s ironic that most women think to register for classes geared toward preparing for labor and childbirth, but don’t think to register for breastfeeding classes or seek out breastfeeding support prior to their baby’s birth. Those intense 24-48 hours spent delivering your baby are relatively short compared to the time you will spend breastfeeding your beautiful and very hungry baby! It has become more important than ever to have a strong community in place to provide breastfeeding knowledge and support prior to baby’s birth, which is why Celebrate Birth partners with The Nest to provide quality breastfeeding support from experienced lactation consultants.
Today we have put together a list of things that you can do prior to labor, that will set you up for breastfeeding success after baby arrives:
- Surround yourself with breastfeeding positivity. One of the best things you can do to help yourself feel good about breastfeeding is to surround yourself with other people who enjoy breastfeeding. If you know someone who is breastfeeding and has had a very pleasant experience, listen to their story and learn from them. Hearing other people’s (positive!) experiences can put you in a positive state of mind when it comes to breastfeeding.
- Talk to your partner about breastfeeding. Your partner will probably be your greatest source of support and yet the majority of new dads rely on you for their information. Make sure you explain how they can support you in your breastfeeding efforts, including being a cheerleader even if it takes both you and baby some time to adjust.
- Talk to your employer before maternity leave. If you plan to go back to work, make sure to talk to your employer about your breastfeeding needs first. Identify a location where you can use a breast pump privately, and explain the need for reasonable breaks so that you can continue to pump at work. Remember: it is a lot easier to plan your return to work in advance, than it is to try and figure it out on your first day back.
- Set up a breastfeeding area prior to giving birth. A comfortable chair or rocker and a pillow are all you need to get started. Some women have a basket of high protein snack foods near their breastfeeding area because breastfeeding can make you hungry.
- Establish your breastfeeding support network. In the first few weeks of sleepless nights and dealing with the reality of being a parent, having a good breastfeeding support network around you is critical. This means people who encourage you, lend a hand whenever you need help, and make you feel like you are not alone. This is where The Nest comes in. The Nest has breastfeeding basics classthat will help prepare you before baby comes, they also provide lactation supportfor moms who have specific questions about breastfeeding after baby arrives.
At The Nest moms are connected with breastfeeding and lactation specialists, but they are also surrounded by other new moms experiencing the same wonderful and often exhausting journey of breastfeeding. If you are interested in learning how Celebrate Birth and The Nest can help set you up for breastfeeding success check out The Nest’s lactation support page for more information.